I am concerned about the proposed storage unit and retail space project at 1525 W. and Clark Ln. In the March 6 city council meeting the request from the property owner will be presented for a variance to city code to change the setbacks to 10 feet. Please do not approve this proposal. Doing so will allow the owner to move forward with this project that is not in the best interest of the immediate neighborhood nor Farmington in general.

I realize the owner has a contract from 1998 that allows him to commercially develop this lot. West Farmington has changed dramatically since then. Such a development no longer makes sense in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Such a development will have the following negative effects. It will:

· Detract from the wonderful look and feel that has drawn so many people to Farmington· Increase traffic flow to this already busy intersection that is the main throughway into the west side of the city· Increase the safety risk to the many children that cross that street and walk along that sidewalk that would have vehicles entering/exiting the retail parking.· Lead to a sustained, gradual degradation in the quality of that neighborhood. As neighbors move to get away from the commercial area (two neighbors in front of the vacant lot have already moved), property values would likely decrease, more properties will likely become rentals which are generally not as well maintained.

Please reject this proposal so the following alternatives can be explored with the owner, neighbors, and the city, to come up with a more beneficial outcome:

· Swap a city-owned commercially zoned property with the owner.· Eliminate the retail portion of the storage units to decrease the safety risks and prevent increased traffic congestion.· Keep the setbacks at 20 feet to diminish the “fortress look” of the development walls.

Please help us come to a solution that will be better for Farmington that won’t be a detraction, for decades, from the city we know and love.

Thank you,

The Undersigned Residents of Farmington

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